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A note from our editor, James Andrew:

The first World Cup I truly remember was Italy 1990. From Toto Schillaci’s iconic goals and Roger Milla’s joyful celebrations to Rene Higuita’s adventurous goalkeeping and The Three Tenors performing Nessun Dorma, those moments passed me by. I was six years old, and my heart that summer belonged entirely to England.

What I do remember vividly are Mark Wright’s bandaged head, David Platt’s stunning volley, Gary Lineker’s perfect penalties, and, of course, Gazza’s unforgettable tears. When the next World Cup arrived, England weren’t there, so during USA 94, I learned to appreciate the game itself and the global stars who graced it, no matter their national colours.

Now, 32 years later, we’re heading back to the United States for what promises to be the biggest World Cup in history – featuring more nations and more world-class talent than ever before. While icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modric prepare for their final appearances on the grand stage, youngsters such as Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland are set to make their tournament debuts.

This World Cup will answer countless questions: Can England finally end six decades of heartbreak? How will Scotland fare on their first appearance in nearly 30 years? Will the home advantage inspire the USA, Canada, and Mexico? And can Argentina become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend their crown?

All those narratives will play out across 104 matches this summer. Sit back and enjoy the global football carnival.
– James

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Track every fixture in this summer’s tournament with our most detailed wallchart ever!

Prepare for June’s grand kick-off with expert previews of all 48 nations, every venue, and 26 reasons to get excited.

The Three Lions have placed their trust in a German tactician as they chase World Cup glory. The heat of a North American summer won’t make things easy, but past and present players agree – there’s no doubting Thomas Tuchel.

The 32-year-old shot-stopper has delivered some of his finest performances on the world stage, especially during his penalty heroics at the 2018 World Cup.

The Aston Villa midfielder who watched from home two summers ago now finds himself a key member of England’s squad, determined to shine in his first major tournament.

For the first time since 1998, Scotland and their passionate supporters return to the World Cup, following one of the most memorable nights in the nation’s football history. Next challenge? Brazil awaits.

Hear from Scotland’s trio about their journey to World Cup history, their locker room DJ, and the growing ‘fitba-calcio’ connection that’s captivating Italy.

The United States manager opens up about his experiences at Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, his thoughts on a possible north London return, and his time coaching Messi, Mbappe, and Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain.

With 48 teams and an expanded field of underdogs, this summer could deliver unprecedented surprises – as history’s greatest upsets remind us. Beware the bald Bulgarians!

The former Leeds United boss once expected to lead the USA into the 2026 World Cup before plans changed – now he’s at the helm of another host nation with lofty ambitions.

Lamine Yamal, if fit, may not be the only teenage sensation representing Spain this year; we highlight three more young prospects ready to make their mark on the tournament.

Curacao, with a population of just 155,000, will become the smallest country ever to compete at a World Cup. We travelled to the Caribbean island to uncover the story behind their remarkable rise.

Curacao also hosted some of Haiti’s qualifying fixtures – Scotland’s group rivals have been unable to stage home games since 2021.

Ghana, drawn in England’s group, had their greatest World Cup moment in 2010 when they were on the verge of becoming Africa’s first semi-finalists. Asamoah Gyan recounts the heartbreak of his missed penalty and Luis Suarez’s notorious handball that changed everything.

Shamrock Rovers defender Pico Lopes reveals how a LinkedIn message led to his call-up for Cape Verde, while Micah Richards takes on the challenge of coaching England’s worst team.

Singer-songwriter PG Ciarletta shares the story behind his World Cup anthem for Scotland, and we meet a superfan who loyally follows two clubs separated by 6,000 miles.

Pele, the Reverend and the world’s oldest club: Jon McClure, frontman of Reverend and the Makers, has become chairman of non-league Sheffield FC, with ambitions to climb the football pyramid.

This month’s merchandise roundup features retro-inspired gems from Adidas, Spike Lee showcasing Brazil’s away kit, and a quick primer to boost your World Cup knowledge.

Classic Kit revisits Coventry’s famous chocolate-coloured kit, while Team Selection pairs Quentin Tarantino with Fenners in an unlikely collaboration.

Put your World Cup knowledge to the test in our Ultimate Quiz, and find out why TNT Sports’ Jules Breach can’t wait for the tournament to kick off in the USA.

Thierry Henry and Luca Toni relive their World Cup triumphs, John Barnes reveals the four people he most admires, and James frontman Tim Booth draws a surprising comparison between Gordon Strachan and Beyonce.

The FFT team debates their predictions for the next World Cup winners, and reflects on Diego Maradona’s notorious mix of genius and controversy against England in 1986.

Javier Zanetti explains why he believes David Beckham’s red card at France 98 was undeserved, Salif Diao discusses how Senegal’s 2002 upset over France symbolised liberation for former colonies, and Mexican goalkeeper Jorge Campos shares the inspiration behind his dazzling jerseys.

Pepe Reina names a dream team full of Spanish legends, complemented by a Liverpool icon and two Napoli greats.